Abstract
Background Despite increasing attention on the issue of tendon-to-bone integration, there has been no animal study on the use of cell therapy for promoting the insertion healing of tendon to bone. Purpose To determine the efficacy of using a large number of bone marrow stromal cells (bMSCs) to enhance tendon-to-bone healing. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods The hallucis longus tendons were translated into 2.5-mm diameter calcaneal bone tunnels in a New Zealand white rabbit model. The bone tunnels were treated with or without bMSCs. Three specimens from each group were harvested at 2, 4, and 6 weeks postoperatively and evaluated by conventional histological and immunohistochemical methods. Results At 4 weeks, the specimens with bMSCs exhibited more perpendicular collagen fiber formation and increased proliferation of cartilage-like cells, which was indicated by positive collagen type-II immuno-staining of the tendon-bone interface. In contrast, the specimens without bMSCs demonstrated progressive maturation and reorganization of fibrous tissue aligned along the load axis. Conclusion Introduction of a large number of bone marrow stromal cells to the bone tunnel have shown to improve the insertion healing of tendon to bone in a rabbit model through formation of fibrocartilagenous attachment at early time points.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
